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getting 2nd opinion for epilepsy
Mon, 11/19/2018 - 13:00Hello everyone, My name is Ann and I am new to this forum. I am writing this today because I am looking to get a second opinion regarding my epilepsy. It is not that I don't think I have epilepsy, it is just that I have had some breakthrough seizures while on Lamictal and bought of unstoppable sobbing. My neuro referred me to a psychiatrist. I felt unheard and crazy. I was so upset. Now I am getting a second opinion from an epilepsy specialist. Can anyone tell me what to expect with a visit like this? I have to travel 4 hours to get this 2nd opinion done and I don't want it to be a waste of time. Thank you all for your help, I really need it.
Comments
Great to hear you are going
Submitted by just_joe on Tue, 2018-11-20 - 15:31
Great to hear you are going to see a specialist in epilepsy. They can help you better then just a neurologist because they know more about the different and newer medications. Breakthrough seizures can happen if one is on a low dose but they take a dose late or miss one. If your dosage hasn't been raised in a period of time it may be looked at. I had to change mine several times when I was changing from a kid to a teen since I gained about 50 lbs in about a year.
Patients working with
Submitted by Amy Jo on Mon, 2018-11-19 - 17:27
Patients working with epileptologists get better control using fewer medications (vs working with a regular neurologist). So you might ask if the diagnosis/observations are correct (because that impacts best treatment), given your lifestyle what your best medication options might be, if the lamotrigine can be adjusted to control those breakthroughs without the side effects. E.g. ideally you'll note all sorts of medical history so this doc understand - e.g. if you are taking oral birth control, lamotrigine can impact the effectiveness. Any hormonal issues might image how well some medication works.